Program choices and alternate offers
When you apply to UCalgary, you can pick two program choices on your application for admission.
Your first choice will be considered first. If you’re not yet admissible to your first choice, we’ll move on to consider you for your second choice.
We suggest you pick your programs strategically. This’ll give you the best chance of gaining admission. We’ve provided tips for choosing your program choices below.
Do you need help selecting your program choices?
Admitted to your second choice?
Congratulations! We look forward to welcoming you to the UCalgary community.
You can accept or decline your second-choice offer and you'll continue to be considered for your first choice when we receive new grades, or if additional spaces become available.
You only need to pay the admission deposit once. If you pay the admission deposit for your second-choice offer and receive a first-choice offer afterward, the deposit will automatically be applied to your first-choice acceptance.
Accepting our second-choice offer is a great way to get started with UCalgary!
Admitted to an alternate program?
Congratulations! We look forward to welcoming you to the UCalgary community.
Alternate offers are granted to students who are academically strong and not yet admissible to the programs they have applied to.
You can accept or decline your alternate offer. Your first and second program choices remain active whether or not you accept your alternate offer. You'll continue to be considered for your program choices when we receive new grades, or if spaces become available.
You only need to pay the admission deposit once. If you receive an offer to your first or second choice program later on, the admission deposit is automatically applied to this acceptance.
Your alternate offer is also a great way to get started with UCalgary!
Frequently asked questions
Yes! After you get started with UCalgary you will have access to resources that will help you tailor your degree program to be as unique as you are. Every year from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1, you can apply for a change of program (COP) through your Student Centre to adjust your degree program.
- Yes! Register in courses for the program you’ve been admitted to.
- If you register for courses that apply toward your second choice and then later gain admission to your first choice, you’ll want to review your registration to make sure your courses align with your academic plan and program.
- Use the first year degree guide or connect with your faculty advisors to ensure your courses can be applied toward your first-choice program.
- You only have to pay the admission deposit once. If you’re admitted, pay the deposit and later receive an offer to another program choice, your deposit will automatically be applied to the new offer when you accept it.
